Key to Bouteloua

View taxon page for Bouteloua

(For a list of species in Bouteloua, use the above link.)

Jepson Manual glossary definitions can be seen by moving your cursor over words underlined with dots.

1. Annual

2. Spikelets 1–4 per inflorescence branch; branch axis prolonged beyond terminal 

spikelet 

1. In Poaceae, one or more florets (each a flower with subtending lemma and generally palea) and generally 2 subtending glumes; in a sterile spikelet, the flower(s) and sometimes palea(s) are rudimentary or absent. 2. In Cyperaceae, the smallest aggregation of flowers (generally more than 2) and associated bracts.

 

node 

Position on a stem from which one or more structures (especially leaves, buds, branches, or flowers) arise.

generally > 5 mm; inflorescence branches deciduous in fruit, 

spikelets 

1. In Poaceae, one or more florets (each a flower with subtending lemma and generally palea) and generally 2 subtending glumes; in a sterile spikelet, the flower(s) and sometimes palea(s) are rudimentary or absent. 2. In Cyperaceae, the smallest aggregation of flowers (generally more than 2) and associated bracts.

falling with branch ..... B. aristidoides var. aristidoides

2' Spikelets > 6 per inflorescence branch; branch axis terminated by spikelet; inflorescence branches persistent, spikelet axis breaking between glumes and lower floret

3. Tip of lower floret 

lemma 

In Poaceae, the lower, generally larger of two sheathing bracts subtending a flower, generally ensheathing the palea (in a sterile lemma, the associated flower and sometimes palea are rudimentary or absent); with the palea and flower, comprising the floret.

2-lobed, central 

awn 

1. Bristle-like appendage or elongation, generally terminal. 2. Stiff, needle-like pappus element in Asteraceae.

from 

sinus 

Usually pertaining to margins of leaves, sepals, petals, or other parts, an indentation between adjacent lobes or teeth

; base of middle or, if only 2 

florets 

In Poaceae, a single flower and its immediately subtending bracts (lemma and generally palea, the lemma subtending the palea when the latter is present); in a sterile floret, the flower and sometimes palea are rudimentary or absent.

, upper floret hairy-tufted ..... B. barbata var. barbata

3' Tip of lower floret lemma 

tapered 

Gradually (not abruptly) narrower or smaller at base or tip.

to central awn; base of upper floret glabrous ..... B. trifida (2)

1' Perennial herb – rhizomes or stolons sometimes present

4. Inflorescence branches 13–60, deciduous in fruit, spikelets falling with branch ..... B. curtipendula

4' Inflorescence branches < 8, persistent in fruit, spikelet axis breaking between glumes and lower floret

5. Lower stem 

internodes 

Segment of an axis (generally a stem) between successive positions (nodes) from which one or more structures (especially leaves, buds, branches, or flowers) arise.

hairy; inflorescence branch axis slightly prolonged beyond terminal spikelet node ..... B. eriopoda

5' Lower stem internodes glabrous or minutely scabrous; inflorescence branch axis terminated by fertile or vestigial spikelet

6. Base of middle or, if only 2 florets, upper floret hairy-tufted; tip of lower floret lemma 2-lobed, central awn from sinus ..... B. gracilis

6' Base of upper floret glabrous; tip of lower floret lemma tapered to central awn ..... B. trifida (2)

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